HOUSTON – Just because you have a rough beginning, those events don’t dictate how the rest of your life will go. Justin Chappell is the epitome of this statement, as he was in and out of trouble during his childhood. He didn’t receive the discipline he needed due to the separation of his parents and his father not being around. He stated, “My mom tried to do the best she could …my stepfather did the best that he could, but the streets raised me.” At a young age, Justin was involved in gang activity, had his first son at the age of 15, participated in alcohol and drugs, expressing, “I grew up fast.”

Justin grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and spent a lot of time living there in fear for his life. He expressed, “There were just a lot of things going on and I just needed a way out.” He eventually moved from Alabama to play basketball, but when he got hurt, he was unable to play anymore. He then made plans to go into the air force, but when he went to go sign his paperwork, there was a note on the door which read “be back in 30 minutes.” In that short period of time, he caught a felony case. He said, “This is when I hit rock bottom.”

God’s favor was truly on Justin’s life as he received the second chance he needed. “It was a blessing,” Justin stated, as he knew the judge could have locked him up in prison for a long time; but the judge kept saying, “I see something in you.” His mom kept telling Justin, he needed to go to church, but he would never go. When he was in jail for a short period of time, he started praying and making God promises, and when he got out of jail, he started attending, and this is when his life started to change. Even though Justin started taking God seriously, he really didn’t take him serious until 2012 when one of his friends was murdered by another friend of his. He emphasized, “It broke my heart…I have stories for days, but after that happened, it put a fire in me.”

 

Today, Justin is the owner of Bama’s Landscaping, a landscape counseling and planning company based out of Waxahachie, Texas. He gives much credit to God’s Exciting Cathedral of Praise Baptist Church, as this church provided him with everything he needed for his business. Through his company, he has not only been able to be successful, but has also been able to help the ministry he started called, Bloodz of Christ (B.O.C.). B.O.C. is “an outreach nonprofit that strives to bring hope and instill morals and values in inner city young men. The organization, founded in 2009, partners with Boys and Girls Clubs and supports more than 100 boys from the Waxahachie, Ennis, Desoto and Dallas regions.”

It is Justin’s mission to help as many kids as he can and cutting grass allows him the freedom to run his ministry work and a lot of the money he makes, he uses it to help fund the ministry. Recently, Justin was the winner of a customer video contest through Mulligan’s Funding. Justin could have used the money from the contest to fund his business, but he decided to use the money for ministry. His desire is to be able to expose inner city youth to different things, but, he knows this requires funding. One of the challenges he has faced, is getting more support from the Black community stating, “The Black community doesn’t help the Black community; there are some good people out there, but, not enough.” So, when he won the contest, he wondered if, “Mulligan would agree, instead, to write a check directly to the charity.” Mulligan Funding complied and donated the winnings to the charity.

Through B.O.C., he is “helping kids to be better.” He takes them on events, and they even attend church on Wednesday’s and Sunday’s. He believes in the youth he has the opportunity to engage and is doing everything in his power to keep them out of trouble and to be the best they can be. No matter what happens, Justin is determined to uphold B.O.C.’s mission by Changing Lives. “It’s a lot holding me back, but, I am not going to let that stop me…I just want to promote these kids – God will take care of me,” he added.

If you would like to learn more about the ministry, or would like to donate, you can email Justin Chappell at bloodzofchrist@yahoo.com.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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